A genome wide association study was performed on each wheat panel, which identified a few molecular markers associated with the different types (Types I to III) of FHB resistance. In addition, the meta-QTL analysis generated 126 meta-QTL that captured many of the major QTL reported for bread and durum wheat and should facilitate the improvement in FHB resistance. The molecular markers developed for the new sources of resistance, the optimal gene pyramids and the best resistant lines will be available for breeders and pathologists to enhance current strategies for wheat resistance.
Read MoreThe current project did not identify triazole insensitive F. graminearum isolates in the Prairie Provinces. This key information indicates that stakeholders do not need to significantly change fungicide use in the region. Although insensitive isolates were not identified, a range of sensitivity was observed, suggesting that the sensitivity to triazole fungicides could shift over time. Therefore, continued monitoring will be important.
Read MoreIn order to support a demand for increasing wheat yields, improvement of existing breeding tools is necessary. Isolated microspore culture (IMC) is one such tool that has the potential to rapidly accelerate breeding efforts. The goal of this project has been to increase productivity of the IMC-mediated doubled haploid (DH) production pipeline in wheat
Read MoreDurum wheat is an economically important crop and the source of semolina for the production of pasta, couscous, and various types of baked products. Its market value is largely determined by the end-use quality traits. However, quality tests are labour and cost-intensive and most times, large quantities of samples are needed. Therefore, practising earlier selection on quality traits on a large scale within the breeding program is a challenge. The advent of advanced genetic and genomic approaches provided a feasible approach to predict quality and make a selection on such a large scale at earlier generations and ultimately release variety with improved wheat quality.
Read MorePlant diseases are responsible for at least 10% of yield losses in global food production. Incidence and severity of two important cereal crop diseases, Fusarium head blight (FHB) and tan spot are increasing with the impacts of climate change. FHB is responsible for mycotoxin contamination of grains and both diseases lead to significant yield damage. It was recently determined that barley, which was thought to be inherently resistant to tan spot, is susceptible to a race of the pathogen that has been identified in Canada.
Read MoreTan spot is one of the most destructive foliar wheat diseases in Canada. The causing pathogen is Pyrenophora tritici-repentis(Ptr),a fungus known to produce combinations of three effectors (toxins), namely ToxA, ToxB and ToxC. In Canada, ToxA is known as the most prevalent toxin and the only necrosis-inducing factor.
In this project, the
Read MoreSpring wheat remains the most important crop in western Canada, with high-quality Canadian western red spring wheat accounting for about two-thirds of the total. Because of the short growing season, yields of spring wheat are generally lower than those obtained with winter wheat. In addition, a great deal of bread wheat grown in the northern regions of the Prairie Provinces is downgraded because it becomes frost-damaged before full maturity. Later maturing wheat can also be more difficult to harvest. Hence, early maturity is a desired trait to be incorporated (without compromising high yield and quality) into Canadian spring wheat.
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